WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1), which would boost energy independence through the domestic production and processing of critical minerals to help drive down costs for Americans. Congressman Hal Rogers cosponsored the bill and urged its swift passage in the Senate. 

"The United States is far too dependent on Communist China for our energy supply. This bill makes American energy a priority and paves the way for a competitive energy plan," said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. "In Eastern Kentucky, we continue to feel the lingering impacts of the Obama/Biden Administration's promised war on coal that began 14 years ago, sending more than 12,000 coal miners to the unemployment line in our rural region alone, and making us more dependent on foreign energy sources. Energy rates continue to skyrocket even though we have the power to improve access to domestic resources." 

Today, the United States is dependent on China for more than 50 percent of its supply for 25 different minerals, while also 75 to 100 percent reliant on a number of minerals from other foreign counties. 

"With a greater awareness of environmental concerns around the world, it is in our best interest to produce our own clean energy, rather than relying on foreign countries with poor environmental standards. Even with a greater push toward electric vehicles, wind turbines, and the like, we know that coal, oil and natural gas continue to be a vital part of our energy security and affordable energy for the American people," said Congressman Rogers. 

The Lower Energy Costs Act also cuts unnecessary red tape and stops frivolous litigation. 

Click here to read the bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1/text

For more information about Congressman Rogers' work on Capitol Hill and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.